Infectious energy

Now in its 36th year and attracting over 30,000 runners, it’s become an annual, weekend-long celebration that brings together the Canadian running community with thousands of global visitors.

Toronto’s Exhibition Place hosts the country’s largest running expo on Friday. Here participants can pick-up their race kits featuring souvenir shirts with custom designs by local Canadian artists. With over 60,000 visitors, the Expo is highlighted by memorable sponsor activations, official race merchandise and panel discussions covering everything from nutrition to inclusivity in sport, along with helpful course previews.

On Saturday the focus shifts to the 5K race. Starting and finishing near Toronto’s City Hall this fun, fast race continues the momentum and spotlights the TCS Charity Challenge with thousands of participants. Runners and their supporters raise millions of dollars for over 150 official charities each year.

The main event is on Sunday morning. Over 20,000 marathon and half-marathon runners gather in the downtown core, starting on Toronto’s iconic Yonge Street and following a flat, fast, scenic route through the downtown area and along the city’s waterfront. The community shows up stronger and louder than any race in Canada here, with local cheer sites and entertainment lining the course. Runners can expect infectious energy, fast times and world-class performances.

Throughout the weekend the city and its running community truly embrace the event. Local businesses and neighborhood groups host exclusive events and promotions, local run crews host a variety of shakeout runs throughout the city, while downtown restaurants and Toronto’s many cafés offer great experiences for runners and guests.

As the sun sets on marathon weekend Toronto buzzes with a collective sense of pride and accomplishment as stories are shared with friends and family throughout the city.

The 2026 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is scheduled for Sunday 18 October with a limited number of marathon entries remaining.

www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com